On July 6, 2014, emergency personnel responding to an emergency call found Sayoko, who was suffering from osteoporosis, a disease that greatly weakens the body’s bones, collapsed and on the verge of death from starvation. She was later confirmed dead at a hospital, according to the Sankei Shimbun (Feb. 18).

Yoko has largely admitted to the charges, telling police she was “unable to properly look after her meals for her.”

Police have not disclosed whether Tomoko has admitted to the charges, and are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the case.